Jim

One Arrested for Cocaine Trafficking; While Operating Licensed Daycare

March
8, 2019 -Springfield- Ms. Elsie Pereira, 40, of
Springfield, has been arrested and charged with Trafficking Cocaine Over 200
Grams, and Conspiracy to Violate Drug Laws, for her alleged role in trafficking
cocaine out of her home where she ran a daycare center.

Through
the course of an investigation, detectives from the Massachusetts State Police
Commonwealth Interstate Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team, and inspectors
from the United States Postal Service, became aware of numerous suspicious
packages addressed to Ms. Elsie Pereira to her Pine Street home in Springfield.

A
search warrant was obtained for the latest package which contained two
kilograms, approximately 4.5 pounds, of cocaine. The estimated street value of
the seized cocaine is approximately $160,000.

After
placing the home under surveillance on March 5, 2019, detectives witnessed
numerous kids being dropped off in the morning at this address.

On
the same day, Ms. Pereira was called to a postal facility to acquire her
package, rather than execute a search warrant at the home where there was an
active daycare. At approximately 6:45 p.m. Ms. Pereira appeared at the postal
facility, signed for and took possession the parcel. She was stopped and
arrested as she exited the facility.

Detectives
with the Massachusetts State Police have notified the Department of Children
and Families regarding the status of the daycare.

Elsie
Pereira was arraigned in Springfield District Court on March 6, 2019 where bail
was set at $2,000. Her next scheduled court date is on April 12, 2019.